United Way of Lake County Celebrates AmeriCorps VISTA Partnership
In Honor of AmeriCorps Week, United Way Salutes its AmeriCorps Members and Alums
Lake County, IL (3/8/2017) - This week (March 4-11), individuals, programs and organizations across the nation are celebrating AmeriCorps Week. For the past eight years, United Way of Lake County has had the opportunity to participate in the AmeriCorps VISTA program, which has allowed it to significantly expanding its education programming.
AmeriCorps VISTA members live and serve in some of our nation's poorest urban and rural areas. Each VISTA member makes a year-long, full-time commitment to serve on a specific project at a nonprofit organization or public agency.
Ismael Calderón is currently serving as an AmeriCorps VISTA member with United Way of Lake County. Ismael's position allows him to strengthen and expand United Way's Success By 6 early childhood education program that help low-income children develop social, emotional and intellectual skills needed to begin school ready to learn.
"Serving as a VISTA member has allowed me to establish new relationships with social organizations and leaders within the community," Ismael shares. "I am continually learning and adapting to the American culture. Being a VISTA is helping me to develop my future professional life and further my education," Calderón adds.
AmeriCorps Week is a time to salute AmeriCorps members and alums for their service and communicate AmeriCorps impact on communities and on the lives of those who serve. Recently, The New York Times reported AmeriCorps may be among a number of high profile programs proposed for elimination in the Administration's next budget. This is a crucial time to share the good works of AmeriCorps members on their communities and encourage individuals to call on their members of Congress to protect the AmeriCorps program.
To act now, visit http://p2a.co/hCN00x9 to ensure your voice is heard and national service is protected.
"AmeriCorps members have made a tremendous local impact, allowing United Way of Lake County to extend its efforts by coordinating with a vast pool of community volunteers to work alongside them," states Kristi Long, President and CEO of United Way of Lake County.
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About United Way of Lake County:
United Way of Lake County (UWLC) is preparing our children to succeed in a changing world by focusing on education and building safe and stable families. Working with nonprofit agencies and community partners, we have identified four key programs to prepare children to succeed: Success By 6 Program - prepare for kindergarten; Reading Success Program - read at grade level; Stay in School Program - graduate high school; Safe and Stable Families Program - empowering families. UWLC is overcoming reading and educational barriers by reaching children, from preschool through high school, through these key programs. The overall effect and benefits are multiplied by the strong collaboration with agencies and our community partners. For more information, visit www.LIVEUNITEDlakecounty.org.